Breath Hold Time (BOLT Score)
Setup
Client seated comfortably. Normal breathing for 2 minutes beforehand. Timer ready.
Cueing
Step 1: 'After a NORMAL exhale (not a deep breath), pinch your nose and hold your breath.' Step 2: Start the timer. Step 3: 'Hold until you feel the FIRST definite desire to breathe -- NOT until you absolutely must breathe.' This is NOT a max breath hold test. It measures CO2 tolerance. Step 4: Record time. Step 5: Observe recovery: client should resume normal breathing immediately. If they gasp, they held too long -- redo.
Measurement
Seconds. Scoring: >40 s = 10 (excellent), 35-40 = 8, 30-35 = 7, 25-30 = 6, 20-25 = 5, 15-20 = 4, 10-15 = 3, 5-10 = 2, <5 = 1. Below 25 s indicates likely chronic hyperventilation pattern.
Modality
FAQ
What muscles does Breath Hold Time (BOLT Score) work?
Breath Hold Time (BOLT Score) primarily targets the Full Body. It is classified as a professional-level assessment test.
How do you perform Breath Hold Time (BOLT Score) correctly?
Client seated comfortably. Normal breathing for 2 minutes beforehand. Timer ready. Step 1: 'After a NORMAL exhale (not a deep breath), pinch your nose and hold your breath.' Step 2: Start the timer. Step 3: 'Hold until you feel the FIRST definite desire to breathe -- NOT until you absolutely must breathe.' This is NOT a max breath hold test. It measures CO2 tolerance. Step 4: Record time. Step 5: Observe recovery: client should resume normal breathing immediately. If they gasp, they held too long -- redo.
What equipment is needed for Breath Hold Time (BOLT Score)?
Breath Hold Time (BOLT Score) requires Assessment Kit. It is categorized as a Movement Screen assessment test.
Related Exercises
ASIS Palpation Tutorial
Apical Breathing Pattern Check
Axial Stack Assessment (Neutral Position)
Breathing Pattern Classification (3 Patterns)
Diaphragmatic Breathing Assessment
Flow Motion Gait Screen (3D Movement Assessment)
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